Increases in average school attendance rates

Average attendance rates at primary and secondary schools in the borough have improved over the past academic year, according to provisional data. 

Information recorded by schools suggests average primary school attendance increased by one per cent in 2022/23 compared to 2021/22, and average secondary school attendance increased by three per cent. 

The information also suggests there was a reduction in the number of pupils classed as persistently absent, which means they have attendance rates of below 80 per cent - the equivalent of one day every week.

Councillor Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "The increases in attendance rates are testimony to the hard work our schools, Education Welfare Service and families have done over the past year to encourage and support pupils to attend school on a regular basis.  

"Earlier this year, we approved a new Attendance Strategy that reinforces the importance of daily attendance and sets out the help children and families can expect if they struggle to attend consistently. 

"Our schools provide a very high standard of education, as highlighted in recent Estyn inspections and our #NotInMissOut campaign, which has helped to celebrate the varied benefits of going to school every day.  

"We still have work to do to reach our target of an average of 95 per cent attendance. I look forward to welcoming schools and families back in September with a renewed focus on improving attendance rates." 

The attendance information gathered by schools will be verified by the Welsh Government. 

Average school attendance rates in Torfaen fell to among the lowest in Wales after the Covid pandemic. 

Since then, many schools have brought in extra staff to support pupils and families with additional needs, such as long term physical or emotional problems. 

The #NotInMissOut campaign also aimed to reduce requests for authorised or unauthorised absences for reasons other than illness or medical appointments, for example taking days off for holidays or routine appointments like dental check-ups. 

If a child cannot attend school, their parent or carer must contact their school as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Read more about Torfaen Council's Attendance Strategy.

The Welsh Government is expected to publish its attendance strategy this summer.